HC Deb 29 October 1956 vol 558 cc1048-9
13. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to make provision for easier credit for farmers.

Mr. Amory

I have satisfied myself by recent inquiries that the banks are continuing to consider sympathetically the credit needs of farmers, particularly of those who have suffered from the weather. I have also arranged for county agricultural executive committees to give what help they can to those in need for that reason by supplying essential goods on as favourable credit terms as possible under the Agriculture Goods and Services Scheme. I have no fresh proposals to make at the present time.

Mr. Champion

Will the Minister remember in this connection that what is really required is cheaper credit, particularly at this time, when it is quite obvious that many farmers will have to transfer their production from milk to some other commodity which will require credit?

Mr. Amory

I would agree with the hon. Member that we all like borrowing our money as cheaply as possible and that it is an important item in our costs. But, whatever the borrowed money costs, it is an item which is taken into consideration at the Annual Price Review.